Ten One Design today announced the "Blockhead," a side-facing plug for Apple chargers that will allow users to place the large wall adapters flush and parallel with a wall to save space, and open up more possibilities for charging behind large furniture. The accessory replaces the detachable prongs that ship with Apple products, and Ten One Design promises Blockhead will fit "every MacBook" and "every iPad" adapter, with one caveat regarding older model iPad minis.

Specifically sculpted to be a companion for Apple's chargers, the company promises that Blockhead will provide a "strong" grip and electrical connection in lieu of using Apple's first party prongs. Thanks to the geometry of the plug's design, Blockhead also points the Apple adapter's plug downwards instead of straight out from a wall, which Ten One Design says "protects against cord stress."

Blockhead directs your cord downward at a more natural angle. It looks great and protects against cord stress. By turning your adapter sideways, Blockhead brings its center of mass closer to the wall. This means less tension on the plug and a lot less falling out.

In comparison to Apple's chargers, the Blockhead plug is 1.2 inches thick, noticeably slashing the thickness of the MacBook wall adapter's required 3.8 inches of space. Thanks to the Blockhead's design, the new plug can also house two adapters on one outlet, or even adjacent plugs on a traditional two-prong extensions cord.

The accessory will work on any Apple charger rated for 10 watts or higher, so it is compatible with all MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook models, as well as all iPad models aside from the original iPad mini. Those interested in the Blockhead plug can pre-order the accessory on Ten One Design's website starting today, with shipping estimated to be in "late April." Users will be able to choose between one plug for $19.95 or a "Blockhead Stack" of two plugs for $34.94.

Note that you can't just throw your Blockhead-connected Apple adapter back in your bag when you're on the go, because their prongs don't pivot closed like the original Apple adapter can. That, plus the fact it's $20, almost half the price of my 29W 12" MacBook adapter, I'll wait for a 2nd-gen or a safe clone/remake of that idea.

Or for $7, you could just throw one of these in your bag to accomplish the same thing, and have a spare outlet to boot.

*headdesk* They take a brilliant idea, productize it, and ruin it by making it a bright BLUE instead of the proper white that blends in. The FAQ at their website doesn't even address the issue of availability in white. Probably because they hope that someone will see it out in public and ask what it is, which might generate interest? Dumb! It's fugly. They just lost a sale.

I've never understood third-party products that don't attempt to blend in 100%.

*headdesk* They take a brilliant idea, productize it, and ruin it by making it a bright BLUE instead of the proper white that blends in. The FAQ at their website doesn't even address the issue of availability in white. Probably because they hope that someone will see it out in public and ask what it is, which might generate interest? Dumb! It's fugly. They just lost a sale.

I've never understood third-party products that don't attempt to blend in 100%.

But, but... you just explained why! and it's not dumb, it's marketing.

Product that does everything it can to draw attention to itself--> Donald Trump
Product that tries to blend in--> George Pataki

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.